Regardless of whether you are into environmental conservation or just into cost-cutting, the use of energy-efficient roofing materials is definitely a step in the right direction. There are quite a number of roofing material options that you can use for this purpose and below is information that will be of help:

1. A "living" roof

This type of roof ideally captures the concept of green roofing. Such a roof is typically composed of growing grass and plants atop the main roof which is adequately protected with a membrane to allow for irrigation.

A green roof will naturally and effectively cool your living space below, so much so you’ll hardly require using equipment like air conditioners. They are so efficient that in some European countries their installation is subsidized. With a "living roof" you will also be able to collect clean rainwater.

2. Slate and clay

Slate and clay are renowned for their energy-efficient properties and since they are naturally occurring they are also termed as green roofing materials. These two materials work perfectly regardless of whether the weather is hot, cold or wet.

Clay tiles are however most suitable for warmer climates since they can shatter easily under the heavy hail conditions in colder areas. Slate is typically tougher than clay and can therefore be used in any climate. Some of its other pleasant advantages include the ability to be recycled and reclaimed. Both slate and clay can be disposed off safely as they are biodegradable.

3. Metal roofs

The most common types of metals used for roofing are steel, copper, and aluminum—generally metals that don’t contain lead. Metallic roofs are energy-efficient and more so in warmer regions since they have a low heat absorption capacity. These roofing materials also have colors that reflect away the sun’s rays, ensuring that the living space below is kept cool without the use of cooling gadgets.

With metal roofs you will have the best capacity to collect rainwater and you’ll also have the least problem when the snow falls – it’ll easily slide off.

4. Spray roofing

You can introduce superb insulation and water-resistant properties to your house with the use of spray roofing. Basically, Sprayed Polyurethane Foam, or SPF, is applied on roofs to form roofing systems that are not breached at any point. The foam results when two separate chemical liquids mix at a spray nozzle and the resultant mixture solidifies on the rooftop. The mixture has to be protected with an elastic coating that facilitates expansion and contraction in hot and cold weather respectively.

Spray roofing has been known to reduce energy costs by as much as 58 percent.

5. Thermoplastic Olefin/Polyolefin (TPO)

TPO roofing takes the form of a single-ply membrane. A roof covered with this material actually consists of separate TPO membrane parts expertly welded together to appear as a single covering. TPO is manufactured using ethylene propylene rubber, a material that has excellent flexibility as well as durability regardless of the weather type.

This roofing material stands up well against ozone. It is also algae-resistant and resists tears and perforations exceptionally.